When menstruation begins, women often start adopting lifestyle changes to help maintain hormonal balance. However, periods can still be uncomfortable, painful, and messy due to the various physiological changes happening in the body.

Sanitary pads are essential for managing menstrual flow, but they can sometimes cause rashes in the vaginal and inner thigh areas. These rashes are often triggered by fragrances, chemicals, or synthetic materials in the pads, irritating the skin.

Here are 14 natural remedies to relieve and heal pad rashes effectively:

# Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. It can help relieve itching, reduce redness, and prevent bacterial growth on the skin.

How to Use:

- Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with ½ cup of water.

- Dip a cotton ball in the solution and dab it on the rash.

- Let it dry naturally.

- Apply 3 times a day.

# Ice

Ice helps numb the area, soothe itching, and reduce inflammation and pain in the inner thighs.

How to Use:

- Wrap ice in a cloth or use an ice pack and place it on the affected area for a few minutes.

- Alternatively, soak a cloth in ice water and apply it for 10 minutes.

Note: Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

# Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is rich in antioxidants and contains natural antiseptic agents like eucalyptol and limonene that can relieve itching and soothe irritated skin.

How to Use:

- After bathing, apply pure tea tree oil with a cotton ball directly on the affected area.

# Neem Leaves

Neem contains powerful compounds such as nimbin and nimbolide that have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It helps reduce redness and itching.

How to Use:

- Boil 20 clean neem leaves in water for 10 minutes.

- Allow the water to cool and use it to wash the affected area.

Alternatively:

- Apply a few drops of neem oil using a cotton ball.

- Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.

# Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil has moisturizing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. It soothes the rash, prevents dryness, and keeps the skin hydrated.

How to Use:

- Rub a small amount of coconut oil between your palms and apply to the rash.

- Leave it for 30 minutes or overnight, then rinse.

# Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits that help heal irritated skin.

How to Use:

- Mix a few drops of olive oil with a few drops of honey.

- Apply to the rash a few times daily.

# Castor Oil

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. It moisturizes dry skin and combats fungal infections.

How to Use:

- Mix 2 teaspoons each of castor oil and coconut oil.

- Apply to the rash, leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse.

# Aloe Vera

Aloe vera offers antibacterial, antifungal, and emollient properties that soothe itchiness and support skin healing.

How to Use:

- Extract fresh aloe gel from the plant and apply directly to the rash.

- Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.

# Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly helps protect the skin from chafing, prevents blisters, and locks in moisture to reduce dryness and inflammation.

How to Use:

- Apply a small amount to the affected area.

- Reapply as needed, especially after changing your pad.

# Manuka Honey

Unlike regular honey, manuka honey contains methylglyoxal, giving it potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pH-balancing properties.

How to Use:

- Mix 1 tablespoon of manuka honey with 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

- Apply to the rash and leave on for 30 minutes before washing off.

# Carrot Juice

Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, essential for healthy skin. Drinking carrot juice helps treat skin conditions like rashes and dryness.

How to Use:

- Drink a glass of fresh carrot juice daily until the rash heals.

# Chamomile

Chamomile has calming, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce irritation and support healing.

How to Use:

- Soak a clean cloth in chamomile tea and place it on the rash.

- Alternatively, apply chamomile oil directly to the skin.

# Calendula

Calendula flowers have skin-soothing and antiseptic properties, making them effective in reducing rash-related inflammation.

How to Use:

- Apply calendula oil to the affected area.

- You can also add it to your bath and soak for 15–20 minutes.

# Coriander

Coriander leaves have strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and cooling properties that can ease itching and speed up skin healing.

How to Use:

- Grind 10 washed coriander leaves into a paste.

- Apply to the rash and leave on for 20 minutes.

- Rinse with cold water.